On Sunday evening, December 2nd, the people of Sderot, Israel - a town located less than one mile from the Gaza border – gathered to light the first candle of the town’s menorah to commemorate the first day of Chanukah (also spelled Hanukkah). Jews around the world celebrate this holiday which marks the time when the Maccabean Jews regained control of Jerusalem and rededicated the Second Temple. What makes the candle lighting in Sderot worth mentioning is the fact that it is symbolic of how the Jewish spirit looks for ways to turn tragedy into triumph.

Less than two weeks ago Palestinian protestors in Gaza gathered along portions of the security border-fence which separates Gaza from Israel. Hamas and the mainstream media touted the gatherings as “peaceful demonstrations” for the Palestinian “Right of Return” but facts on the ground proved otherwise as rioting broke out and violence escalated turning deadly.

Danger comes in many forms and it’s what we fail to see or detect that can harm us the most. I’m not talking about terrorism but rather about silver-tongued deception.

Some are attempting to capitalize on the division that exists in America today between blacks, whites, and others. Hatred and violence are fomented by evil design to stir up political unrest. If enough seeds of discord are scattered and take root, minority voters become easy prey for the liberal, leftist agenda. We must take note of those who are sowing such seeds and carefully warn others not to be deceived.

President Trump’s recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel skirted the question of the city’s final boundaries under Israeli sovereignty, leaving them to be determined by final-status negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians. His stance is in line with the Oslo Accords, to which both parties agreed amid fanfare and a White House lawn ceremony.

But despite the Palestinians’ signatory acceptance of Jerusalem’s disputed status, their disregard for international law and diplomacy has consistently undermined peace efforts.

The battle over Jerusalem has extended to higher education. A firestorm erupted over Israel’s offer to East Jerusalem Arab schools to teach the Israeli curriculum instead of the Palestinian one. The Israeli curriculum could open the door for Arab students to take the Israeli matriculation exams and study at its high-ranked colleges and universities. Many East Jerusalem parents realize that access to Israel’s colleges and universities would boost their children’s careers.To that end,the Jerusalem Affairs and Heritage Ministry designated 20 million Israeli shekels (more than $5.5 million) for physical plant upgrades to the seven East Jerusalem municipality schools that accepted the option.

The attainment of social justice has been a utopian goal throughout history. While God created all equal, there is no society in the world where this actually exists in a pure form. There have always been advocates and champions for the poor and downtrodden so the call for social justice will always be with us. It is right to want to help those less fortunate but we must not be deceived into believing a lie over the honest truth.

Israel and the Jewish people have been miraculously resilient over the millennia having survived attack after attack from her enemies near and far. Although they’ve been dispersed to the four corners of the earth, somehow they have maintained their unique Jewish identity and are now regathering in the land of Israel just as the Bible said would happen. Against all odds, the Jews have retained their ancient religion, culture and original language.

Days after UNSC Resolution 2334 condemned Israeli settlements in the “occupied Palestinian territory” of Judea, Samaria and East Jerusalem as a “flagrant violation under international law” Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat issued a strong rebuke: The mayor and his planning-committee director announced the committee’s intent to approve building 618 previously planned housing units in East Jerusalem—a first step toward an additional 5,600 units in the city. “I’m not ever going to stop building. No construction will be stopped by me as mayor,” he said. While the Obama administration harmed its ally by strengthening its enemies, if President Trump holds to his promises perhaps things will change going forward but there is already talk of backpedaling.